Age In Rural Areas Research Articles

The Current Situation of Fertility Intention among Women of Reproductive Age in Hebei Province in the Information Age and the Research on Promotion Strategies

The development of the information age has had a certain degree of impact on the fertility intention of women of childbearing age. There is relatively little current research on the fertility intention of women of childbearing age from the perspective of information technology. This study objectively describes the fertility intention of women of childbearing age in Hebei Province and combines past literature to explore the underlying reasons. Research has found that the current willingness to have multiple children in both urban and rural areas in this region is relatively low, with more women of childbearing age in rural areas than in cities. Compared to the beginning of this century, there may have been a degree of increase in the willingness to have multiple children due to the policy loosening. Based on the above results and combined with previous studies, this study explored how to promote the fertility willingness of women of childbearing age in Hebei Province from the perspective of informatization such as the Internet, new media, and digital economy.

Prevalence and associated factors of coexisting forms of malnutrition in children under 5 years age in a rural area of Cameroon.

Malnutrition of children under 5 years of age is persistent in Cameroon principally in rural areas. Moreover, there is limited knowledge of coexisting forms of malnutrition (CFM) among children of this age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CFM in a cohort of children under 5 years and to identify the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Health Districts of the locality of Dschang in the West region of Cameroon between June 2021 to November 2021. Data were collected from 200 under-five children of both sexes and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to consented children's mothers/guardians. Malnutrition in children was assessed by WHO growth standards (weight-for-height, weight-for-age, height-for-age and body mass index-for-age). The different CFM were defined by the presence of two autonomous forms of malnutrition in the same child. Logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated to different coexisting forms of malnutrition. The results obtained showed prevalences of 4.20% for the coexistence of underweight with wasting, 7.8% for the coexistence of underweight with stunting and 14.8% for the coexistence of stunting with overweight. Lower maternal age (15-24 years old; OR = 0.09; p = 0.05) and lower education level (primary education, OR = 23.33; p = 0.00) were associated with the coexistence of underweight with wasting. Marital status (single mother, OR = 0.28; p = 0.00) was associated to the coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity. The findings of this study provide evidence on the coexistence of different forms of malnutrition among children below five years of age in rural area of Cameroon. These finding would guide future research, policies, and programs on the management of malnutrition in rural areas of Cameroon.

К вопросу о тиреоидной функции щитовидной железы беременных, проживающих в йододефицитном районе (Республика Дагестан, Ахтынский район, 1675 м над уровнем моря)

The work shows that currently diseases associated with iodine deficiency in the diet are one of the most common non-communicable human diseases. Iodine deficiency contributes to a decrease in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, during pregnancy leads to the formation of the neuropsychiatric status of the fetus. Thyroid pathology is more common in women than in men. During pregnancy, thyroid pathology increases dramatically – pregnancy itself is a provoking factor. One of the important reasons is the deterioration of the environmental and radiation situation, the changing nature of the population's diet. The impact of the ecosystem on the health of the population can be determined based on data on the incidence of thyroid diseases in women of reproductive age in rural areas with iodine deficiency. The article presents data on the examination and treatment of 120 pregnant women (First Trimester of pregnancy) aged 20–40 years who are registered in the women's clinic of the Akhtyn regional hospital.

A study on awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination practices among women above 35 years of age in rural areas of Wardha District, Maharashtra: a protocol

Background Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women and a global health issue. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a recommended breast cancer screening technique that a woman can use on her own, in the privacy of her home. Hence, awareness regarding it and knowledge to identify any changes will be a boon to the early identification and promotion of treatment. This study aimed to increase awareness and educate women about breast self-examination (BSE) to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer in rural areas of Wardha District. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on rural women in Wardha district. Women older than 35 years of age will be included in the study and assessed using a ‘pre-designed’ and ‘pre-structured’ questionnaire inquiring about their socio-demographic profile, awareness of breast cancer, and breast self-examination. Research implications Most studies show how to self-examine breasts, but awareness and knowledge regarding the subject are not well demonstrated and applied in many studies. Although we now understand that women do not always need to use a specific BSE technique, they should still be taught and encouraged to recognize breast changes. BSE for early detection of breast cancer has undergone a paradigm change or development into breast awareness. The progression towards breast awareness is a concept where a woman is familiar with her breasts so that she detects any change that might emerge and brings this to the attention of her healthcare practitioner right away, whereas BSE is monthly palpation of the breasts in a specific manner in which women are professionally taught. Early detection of breast cancer relies heavily on breast awareness, which is why it should be covered in general breast health education.

Empirical Analysis of the Influencing Factors on the Willingness of the Elderly to Age in Rural Areas

Empirical Analysis of the Influencing Factors on the Willingness of the Elderly to Age in Rural Areas

BROADBAND ACCESS, SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH IN A RURAL COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Social connections provide older persons with access to important resources supporting their physical and psychological health. People aging in rural areas may have more challenges to maintaining and developing social connectedness because of geographic separation with friends, neighbors, and family members. One way to mitigate the risk of reduced social connectedness is by using internet-enabled technologies to facilitate social connections. However, these solutions are also limited by internet access, stability, and questions about whether or not technology enabled connections are able to meet needs for social connections. The objective of this study was to examine the role of internet access to (a) social connectedness and (b) self-rated health (SRH) and direct and indirect pathways from internet access to SRH. We used data collected in 2020 during the height of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns from a random sample of about 450 people aged 50 years old or older living in rural counties in Arkansas. Path analyses were used to regress participants’ self-reported health on social connectedness and examine direct and indirect pathways from internet access to health. Interestingly, we found that internet access was positively related to self-reported health, but was fully mediated through social connectedness. Moreover, these relationships remained significant even after controlling for variabilities in income. Although more research is needed, these results suggest that maintaining social connections using the internet was an effective approach to support the health of the older rural persons and has policy implications for maintaining and continuing to increase stable broad-band technologies for rural areas.

Construction of Evaluation Indicator System for Rural Elderly Facilities Configuration in Datong City

China has entered a deeply aging society, and the aging problem in rural areas is particularly serious compared with that in cities and towns. In order to actively respond to the challenges of aging in rural areas, the Rural Revitalization Bureau of Datong City has issued the “Rural Nursing Care Project” Implementation Plan, exploring the establishment of a well-functioning, moderately scaled, and orderly functioning rural pension model. In this paper, through the field research of rural pension facilities and questionnaire interviews with the elderly, and using the SPSS factor analysis method for data statistics and analysis, we finally constructed the evaluation index system of rural pension facilities configuration in Datong City, and established the index basis for the construction of the evaluation system of rural pension facilities configuration, so as to make the sense of acquisition of the elderly in the countryside more adequate, the sense of well-being more sustainable, and the sense of security more secure, which is the most important task for the construction and improvement of the rural pension service system at the moment. It is an urgent task to improve the construction of rural pension service system.

Assessment of Crown-Heel length, Head Circumference, and Mid-Arm Circumference for Estimation of Small for Gestational Age in Rural Area

Background: The burden of having small for gestational age (SGA) children is high in low- and middle-income countries, mainly in South Asia. Identifying these low birth weight and SGA infants and referring them to higher centers for effective intervention will help reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Anthropometric measurements of the neonatal population, especially birth weight measurements, constitute an important scientific research tool for studying the determinants and consequences of impaired or excessive fetal growth. Objective: To find an alternative anthropometric procedure, the present study was done to measure and compare birth weight with crown heel length (CHL), head circumference (HC), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as predictors of birth weight in small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2020 to June 2021 on 200 newborns of both sexes with gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks. The newborn was selected and measured within 24 hours of birth. 100 term newborns weighted <2.5 kg regarded as SGA were the subjects of the study. Another 100-term newborns weighted >2.5 kg regarded as AGA served as control. The birth weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and crown heel length were measured and a comparison of all the variables was done between AGA and SGA newborns. Data was analyzed by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 26). Result: The mean± SD of birth weight in AGA and SGA groups was 2.99 ±0.31 and 2.10±0.24 respectively; it was observed that the mean± SD of crown heel length, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference and Ponderal index in AGA group was significantly higher than SGA group; however the MAC/HC ratio was almost similar between AGA and SGA groups. All the above variables were significantly correlated with birth weight in both AGA and SGA groups. Conclusion: Some simple and inexpensive measurements of newborns especially the head circumference of SGA newborns are as effective as birth weight measurement; crown heel length, and mid-upper arm circumference could also be used to predict birth weight in SGA newborns. J Rang Med Col. September 2023; Vol. 8, No. 2: 14-19

Investigating the Impact of Demographic and Personal Variables on Post-Retirement Migration Intention of Rural Residents: Evidence from Inner Mongolia, China

With the intensification of population aging in rural areas, it becomes increasingly important to analyze the post-retirement migration intention of rural residents and the variables influencing these intentions. However, there is a lack of research on this point. In this study, we focused on rural residents aged 45 to 60 and used the logistic regression model to investigate the demographic and personal variables influencing their post-retirement migration intention. The data used in this study were collected from one hundred sixty-four households in three rural areas of Inner Mongolia in 2011. From the results of this study, we found that gender, part-time employment, savings level, children’s residence and occupational stability, and interest in urban living positively affect migration intention. In contrast, the number of rural close friends, relationships with others in rural areas, and evaluation of rural living all have negative effects. In addition, we employed age and the proportion of mobile income as control variables to examine the variables that influence the post-retirement migration intention in different age groups and mobile income groups. The analysis reveals that the variables influencing post-retirement migration intention varied across age groups and mobile income groups, and this variation can be attributed to the differences between groups’ characteristics.

Resource allocation of rural institutional elderly care in China's new era: spatial-temporal differences and adaptation development

ObjectivesIn the new era of China, to ensure that rural residents can get the corresponding institutional elderly services equally, it is necessary to investigate the current situation of resource allocation of rural institutional elderly care and make corresponding adaptation suggestions. Study designThis research discusses the characteristics and evolution pattern of rural aging, the resource allocation of rural elderly care institutions, and the adaptation degree of rural institutional elderly care resource and aging. MethodsThe research methodology consists of the following stages: entropy-based Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), kernel density estimation, coupling coordination, spatial autocorrelation, and Theil index decomposition. ResultsThe degree of aging in rural areas of China is rising, and the whole population has entered a moderate aging society, showing the spatial characteristics of ‘high in the east and low in the west’. The resource allocation of rural institutional elderly care in China is at a low level, and the absolute differences among provinces tend to reduce over time, and the overall resource allocation level tends to decline. The provinces that were in the mismatched adaptation relationship in the early stage have improved; however, the number of provinces with mismatched adaptability has continued to increase. The local spatial autocorrelation of resource adaptation verifies that the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River as the core form a hot spot, and during the observation period, the spatial agglomeration effect of the core is strengthened. The Theil index decomposition of resource adaptation indicates that the within-group differences between the eastern and western regions is significantly higher than that between the northeastern and central regions. ConclusionsFirst, special attention should be paid to preventing the resource allocation of rural institutional elderly care in the eastern and western regions from falling again. Second, to avoid more and more low-adapted provinces falling into the ‘mismatch dilemma’ with the deepening of the aging degree. Third, strengthen cooperation among regions and promote the coordinated development of resource allocation of institutional elderly care in various regions. Fourth, the priority of institutional elderly care balanced development should be given to the eastern region and western region, thus weakening the overall difference.

Physical activity's impact on rural older adult health: The multiple mediating effects of education, income, and psychological capital.

This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of rural older adult health. By examining the mediating roles of education, income, and psychological capital in physical activity's impact on health, this study provides a reference for lifestyle interventions to improve the health level of rural older adults. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 1778 rural older adults from CGSS2017, and data were analyzed using PROCESS V4.2 for multiple mediating effects. The findings indicate that physical activity impacts rural older adult health through multiple mediating pathways. The mediating role includes seven paths, comprising the independent effects of three mediating variables of income, education, and psychological capital, and the chain mediating effects generated together. Based on the influence mechanism of health on rural older adults, optimizing policy focus and developing a precise, interconnected, and sustainable health security system for older adults is necessary. These research results are of practical significance for advancing healthy aging in rural areas.

Clinic-epidemiological profile and acute kidney injury among pediatric snake bite cases admitted in a tertiary care center of South India

Background: Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in the tropical countries, particularly in rural areas. Snake bite is more common in children and young adults. This study intends to bring out the burden of the issue in rural children of South India. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To study the epidemiological profile, the clinical profile, complications, and outcome of pediatric snake bite cases and (2) to study the incidence, predictors, and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI). Materials and Methods: A prospective and observational study carried out for 1½ years among 0–12-year-old snake bite children. The epidemiological details, details related to snake bite event, pre hospital events, clinical and laboratory parameters on admission, outcome, complications, incidence of AKI, and their possible predictive factors among the snake bite children are analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM, USA) version 20. Results: Male children above 5 years of age in rural areas during outdoor activities are more commonly affected during the monsoon period and during night hours. Hemotoxic snake bites are more common. Incidence of AKI following snake bite is 10%. Possible predictive factors are long bite to admission interval, tender lymph nodes, anemia, increased total count, elevated serum bilirubin on admission, and increased requirement of Anti Snake Venom. Conclusion: This study proves the burden of snake bite among rural children and their morbidity and mortality following snake bite-induced AKI. A high index of suspicion should be kept in mind based on possible predictive factors for development of AKI in snake bite children.

Spatial–Temporal Patterns of Population Aging in Rural China

(1) Background: Population aging has been accelerating in China since the 1990s, and the number of people over 65 reached 190 million in 2020. However, the spatial distribution of the aged is not homogeneous; in rural areas, the aged population accounted for 17.72% of the total population, whereas in urban areas, it accounted for 11.11%, which is 6.61 p.p. less. Therefore, this study aims to examine the spatial heterogeneity and influencing factors of population aging in rural China from 2000 to 2020. (2) Methods: First, Getis-Ord Gi* was used to analyze the spatial clustering of the aged population in rural China. Then, standard deviational ellipse was used to characterize the temporal trend of the spatial clustering of population aging in rural China. Finally, potential influencing factors that could have contributed to the spatial-temporal patterns were analyzed using a novel spatial statistical package "Geographical Detector". (3) Results: (a). Aging in rural populations increased and occurred throughout China from 2000 to 2020. (b). The spatial patterns of aging in China are roughly divided by the Hu Line, which is the population density boundary of China. (c). The mean center of the aged population tended to orient around a northeast-to-southwest major axis over the past 20 years, contrary to the internal migration pattern that flows from north to south. (d). The population age structure, longevity rate, and fertility rate were the predominant factors of aging in rural areas. (4) Conclusions: As the aged population is rapidly increasing in rural areas in China in a spatially heterogeneous fashion, governments and private sectors need to collaborate to alleviate the problem.

Aging in Rural Communities.

Population aging is occurring worldwide, particularly in developed countries such as the United States (US). However, in the US, the population is aging more rapidly in rural areas than in urban areas. Healthy aging in rural areas presents unique challenges. Understanding and addressing those challenges is essential to ensure healthy aging and promote health equity across the lifespan and all geographies. This review aims to present findings and evaluate recent literature (2019-2022) on rural aging and highlight future directions and opportunities to improve population health in rural communities. The review first addresses several methodological considerations in measuring rurality, including the choice of measure used, the composition of each measure, and the limitations and drawbacks of each measure. Next, the review considers important concepts and context when describing what it means to be rural, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental conditions. The review assesses several key epidemiologic studies addressing rural-urban differences in population health among older adults. Health and social services in rural areas are then discussed in the context of healthy aging in rural areas. Racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, and informal caregivers are considered as special populations in the discussion of rural older adults and healthy aging. Lastly, the review provides evidence to support critical longitudinal, place-based research to promote healthy aging across the rural-urban divide is highlighted. Policies, programs, and interventions to reduce rural-urban differences in population health and to promote health equity and healthy aging necessitate a context-specific approach. Considering the cultural context and root causes of rural-urban differences in population health and healthy aging is essential to support the real-world effectiveness of such programs, policies, and interventions.

Evaluation of Automatic Irrigation System for Rice Cultivation and Sustainable Agriculture Water Management

The water-resource policy of South Korea has been changing from that of securing water to that of saving water through sustainable water management. Moreover, population aging in rural areas is leading to agricultural water-management problems. In this study, an automatic irrigation system for rice crops was investigated and compared with conventional irrigation, and changes in water productivity and required labor power were quantified. The effect of the proposed system on economic feasibility was verified on farmland by monitoring irrigation water and rice yields for three years. Under the automatic irrigation system, on-site water productivity improved by an average of 12.7% and the labor power required for paddy water management decreased by an average of 21.8% compared to the conventional irrigation system. The internal rate of return was 8.6% higher than the discount rate of 4.5%. The net present value was 406,411 KRW, and the benefit-cost ratio was 1.23. The results can serve as a reference for the on-site introduction of irrigation water-supply automation for sustainable water management and are expected to benefit farmers in saving water and reducing labor demands through sustainable agricultural activities.

Sense and Manner of WASH and Their Coalition With Disease and Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of caregivers and their relationship to the disease and nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in rural areas of Sylhet, Bangladesh. A total of 110 households with at least a child aged 6 to 59 months were selected by simple random method from 10 rural communities of three Upazila of Sylhet from September 2019 to February 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the “Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene” (WASH) knowledge and practice, and multivariate chi-square analyses were performed to assess associations among diseases and nutritional status with WASH following a structured questionnaire. The study found a significant association between WASH with childhood disease and nutritional status, and 65% of children were found to be in a diseased state and 35% of children were found in a no exposure of disease state within the last 6 months. The findings sketched that mother with poor WASH knowledge and practice was at greater risk for disease outbreaks, disease frequency, and duration. The highest incidence of diarrhea was 17% in children aged 12 to 23 months. A significant effect of WASH was also found in children's nutritional status, which was reflected in the ratio of stunted, underweight, and wasted children. Integrated convergent work focusing on providing clean water within the household, stopping open defecation, promoting handwashing, behavior change, and poverty alleviation is needed to improve the situation. Health, nutrition, and livelihood programs should be uninterrupted, and mothers or caregivers should be encouraged to participate in these programs.

Awareness and Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examined awareness and utilization of maternal and child health services among women of reproductive age in rural areas in Akwa Ibom State. Three objectives and three research questions were raise to guide this study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and the population of this study was 303,768 females of reproductive age in the study area and a sample size of 246 women of reproductive age drawn through purposive sampling technique was used for the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire titled Awareness and Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Care Services Questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.73 was the instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The findings of the study indicated that there was a great awareness of maternal and child health services among women of reproductive age; utilization of maternal and child health services among women of reproductive age was good; there was a great level of utilization of maternal and child health services among women of reproductive age. Based on these findings, it was concluded that there was optimal awareness and utilization of maternal and child health services among women of reproductive age in rural areas in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that federal, states and local government areas should still need to reach out to other people who do not utilize maternal and child health care services; educating women and men about the importance of maternal and child health care services would make them to utilize the services and efforts should be made to fill health service gaps with substantial success through more community-based facilities and financial subsidies.

FORECASTING THE POPULATION OF RETIREMENT AGE IN RURAL RUSSIA

Population aging and an increase in the number of older age cohorts are demographic constraints and barriers to sustainable rural development. Rural areas of Russia have been affected by demographic aging to a greater extent than urban areas; the proportion of the population of retirement age in rural areas is higher than in urban areas. The purpose of the study is a forecasting the rural population of retirement age and changes in the demographic load in Russia. To construct a demographic forecast, the component method was used. The results show that the number of rural population of retirement age in 2020-2029 will decrease by 4.2-7.3% with zero migration and 5.8-8.9% taking into account the scale of rural-urban migration. From 2034, an increase in the number of persons of retirement age is projected. In 2020-2049 the number of rural pensioners will grow in the medium and high scenarios of demographic development by 4.4-5.5%, excluding migration. The article calculates coefficient of demographic load. The analysis shows that the rural population 0-15 years old is steadily declining. At the same time the number of persons of retirement age in Russia is steadily increasing, both in rural and urban areas. The decline in the birth rate has led to a decrease the demographic load coefficient by children and an increase of the old-age dependency ratio. Upcoming demographic changes must be taken into account in the strategic planning and development of regional programs.

On older person/place transformations: Towards a more‐than‐representational geography of aging in rural Canada

The spatial variability of population aging in rural areas of Canada, and the demographic processes that underlie these areal patterns, are reasonably well understood. Research to date emphasizes processes of population redistribution (e.g., net out‐migration), regional economic change (e.g., resource‐based economic restructuring), and chronologically‐centred models of bodily decline as the major features of population aging in rural contexts. This literature has informed a wide range of gerontological research and policy, but there is much more to be said about becoming older in rural Canada. In this paper, we present the outline of a post‐representational approach to rural aging. We consider the influence of relational and non‐representational forces acting on the experience of aging in rural Canada. We then draw on reflections of earlier work in a particular geographic setting as a means to tease out “more‐than‐representational” considerations for discussion. We also echo recent calls to address a “blind spot” in geographic scholarship that overlooks the considerable extent to which older persons re‐shape their community environments. We conclude with an invitation for a greater engagement with older person/place transformations, including closer attention to the processes and performances of “aging‐through‐place” in other Canadian settings.

Factors associated with active aging in Chinese elderly in rural areas of Xiangtan County, China†

Abstract Objectives To explore the level of active aging and correlates among rural elderly in Xiangtan County, China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to November 2019. A total of 945 rural elderly from 3 towns in Xiangtan County, China, were investigated by using the positive aging evaluation questionnaire (PAEQ), the activity of daily living scale (ADL), and the depression in old-age scale (DIA-S). Results The average score in the PAEQ among the rural elderly of Xiangtan County was 72.81 (range = 21–105). A moderate negative correlation was found between the score in the PAEQ and those in the ADL (r = −0.361) and DIA-S (r = −0.495). Symptoms of depression (β: −0.321, P = 0.001), number of chronic diseases (β: −0.281, P = 0.001), subjective economic status (β: 0.239, P = 0.001), ADL (β: −0.196, P = 0.001), education (β: 0.126, P = 0.001), number of children (β: 0.097, P = 0.001), and marital status (β: −0.060, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with levels of active aging in rural elderly, whereas gender and age were not independently related to active aging. Conclusions The level of active aging is at a moderately high level in the Chinese elderly in rural areas in Xiangtan County. The focus group of active aging in rural areas should be elderly people suffering from chronic diseases, physical decline, poor education and economic conditions, childlessness, and those without partners.